Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

NFL Draft Profile: Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

Position: Defensive End | School: Ohio State | Class: Senior

Height: 6'6" | Weight: 265 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher (Speed Rusher)

College Career Summary

Kenyatta Jackson Jr. enters the NFL draft as the latest specimen from Ohio State’s "Rushmen" factory. After contributing as a rotational piece during the Buckeyes' 2024 National Championship run, Jackson stepped into a primary role in 2025. Known for his "Bosa-esque" frame and elite length, he maximized his senior year by recording a career-high 6.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss. While he played behind stars early in his career, his 2025 tape shows a player whose technical polish under Larry Johnson has finally caught up to his rare physical gifts. He finished his career as a consistent disruptor, logging over 40 pressures in his final season.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 44

• Total Tackles: 52 (27 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 17.0 (11.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 9.5 (6.5 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups: 3 (2 in 2025)

• QB Hurries/Pressures: 40+ (2025 Season)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Akron	1 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	B	Solid rotational reps; quick get-off.
vs. Marshall	3 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	High Pursuit; consistent backfield presence.
vs. Western Michigan	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Showcased elite Acceleration on a blindside sack.
@ Michigan State	1 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	B	Disciplined edge setting against the run.
vs. Iowa	2 Tkl	B-	Physical battle with heavy O-Line; high Mental Toughness.
@ Oregon	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Star moment; sack on a crucial 3rd down.
vs. Nebraska	1 Tkl, 1 PD	B	Swatted a pass; used his 6'6" frame effectively.
@ Penn State	3 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	A	Elite Performance. Controlled the edge in a hostile environment.
vs. Purdue	2 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Dominant speed-to-power conversion.
@ Northwestern	3 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	B	Consistent pressure despite low sack total.
vs. Indiana	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Leadership. Stepped up in a top-5 matchup.
@ Michigan	3 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	B+	Gritty "The Game" performance; constant disruption.
CFP: vs. Miami	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A	Closer. Harassed the QB throughout the quarterfinal.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Prototypical Frame: At 6'6" with elite reach, he is built in the mold of the modern NFL edge. He can "stab" tackles and keep his chest clean.

• Speed-to-Power: His greatest attribute is the ability to turn Acceleration into a heavy bull-rush, often collapsing the pocket inward.

• Technical Refinement: Shows great mastery of the "long-arm" and "cross-chop" moves; his hands are violent and precise.

• High Motor: Does not quit on plays. Frequently logs "coverage sacks" or pursuit tackles 10 yards downfield.

Weaknesses

• Lateral Agility: While fast linearly, he can be a bit "stiff" in his change of direction. Elite "scrambler" QBs can sometimes evade him in space.

• Anchor Strength: Despite his height, he can occasionally be moved by low-leverage "power" blocks in the run game. Needs to continue adding mass to his lower half.

• Developmental Lag: Spent much of his career as a rotational player; NFL teams will want to see if he can handle 60+ snaps a game at the next level.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 4-3 Defensive End or a 5-Technique in a hybrid front.

NFL Comparison: Gregory Rousseau / Carl Granderson

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 89/100

Kenyatta Jackson Jr. is the definition of a "high-floor" prospect with significant "ceiling" remaining. He possesses the unteachable traits—height, length, and a first-step twitch—that usually result in a first-round selection. While he isn't the finished product that the Bosa brothers were, his 2025 tape shows a player who understands how to use his levers to win. His Speed-to-Power is already NFL-caliber. If he tests well at the combine, specifically in the 10-yard split, he could skyrocket into the top 20 picks.

Draft Projection: 1st - 2nd Round (High Positional Value)